Hardware Analysis & Design Engineer - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

Responsibilities:
With the ever-accelerating technological advances and growing system complexity, NSA needs Hardware Analysis & Design Engineers to design, develop, construct, analyze and evaluate electronic hardware and software processing components. These components are typically subsystems of communication, collection, processing or analysis systems.

Hardware Analysis & Design Engineers utilize electrical, computer, mechanical, and materials engineering knowledge and skills to design, assemble, test, analyze and reverse engineer electronics hardware in support of the NSA mission.

Hardware Analysis & Design Engineers are hired into positions supporting a broad range of specialized skills including Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Communications/Telecommunications Engineering, and Applied Mathematics.

The responsibilities of a Hardware Analysis & Design Engineer may include:
- Designing, developing, constructing, testing, and evaluating electronic circuitry, computer-related equipment, and microelectronic components (including FPGAs, ASICs, PCBs, and Microcontrollers).
- Designing, developing, testing, and evaluating programmable hardware devices, digital circuits, and embedded systems.
- Programming, modifying, configuring, and analyzing system firmware and software that manages reprogrammable hardware and associated interfaces to provide services to applications.
- Applying hardware and software engineering principles to design, develop, test, and evaluate/modify applications and systems.
- Developing new or utilizing existing methods, tools, and hardware forensic methodologies to analyze, protect, or exploit specific hardware, software, or firmware.
- Testing, evaluating, and reverse-engineering microelectronic components, technology, and equipment.
- Developing and recommending mitigation strategies and techniques to enhance the security and resilience of hardware and software components.
- Develop and implement hardware forensic methodologies and applications.

When submitting your application, please ensure that you fully populate all sections of the resume tool with all relevant skills, experience, and education, as the resume entered into the tool will be the primary resume used to evaluate your application. Please do NOT populate the resume tool with \

Skills:
Knowledge, skills, and experience in one or more of the following is desired:
- Experience with Agile Software Development.
- Experience in one or more of the following programming languages: Rust, C, C++, Python, Java, Java Script, VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, etc.
- Experience in reverse engineering firmware or software.
- Experience in Information Assurance analysis or implementation.
- Experience organizing and managing their own projects or the projects of small teams.
- Understanding of the basic concepts of cryptography and cryptographic systems.
- Understanding of the basics of computer networking and low level protocols.
- Familiarity with basic electronic components such as ASICs, PCBs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc.
- Familiarity with tools related to firmware/software design and development.
- Familiarity with electronics debugging equipment such as multi-meters and oscilloscopes.
- Experience with application of 2D/3D imaging for hardware analysis.
- Experience with embedded or operating system level programming.

The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning along with excellent problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills, who is:
- Innovative and well-organized
- Able to handle and prioritize multiple assignments
- Able to communicate effectively both orally and written
- Able to work effectively across several different functional areas in a collaborative environment.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule:
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.

Salary Range: $87,362 - $153,082 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.

Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.



How To Apply - External:
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.

A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**

U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.


The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application)

1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.

2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.

3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.

4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

DCIPS Disclaimer:
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**

Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.

Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, \